From “virtual doppelgängers” to “real-time dreaming,” online gaming platform Roblox is using AI technology to build the “Holodeck” envisioned in science fiction decades ago. Sarah Guo and Elad Gil sit down with Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki at Roblox headquarters to explore the intersection of AI, physics simulation, and the future of human connection. Dave discusses the evolution of the 4D creation tool in Roblox, a high-fidelity simulation that enables thousands of people to interact in real-time with photo-realistic graphics and acoustic physics. Dave reveals how Roblox is leveraging 13 billion hours of monthly user data to train native AI models that go beyond simple LLMs, enabling NPCs that can navigate and play games with human-like intuition. He also talks about how immersive communication will change video conferencing, how Roblox searches for unlikely talent outside of traditional elite universities, and how he balances rapid weekly iterations with keeping a “long view” on Roblox’s vision. 

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Chapters:

00:00 – Cold Open

00:36 – Dave Baszucki Introduction

01:16 – Realizing Robolox’s 20-Year Vision

05:29 – Using 4D Immersive Simulations in Virtual Interactions

08:22 – Physics Engine vs. Photorealism 

11:50 – Storing Roblox History as Vector Data

14:00 – Training NPCs - Moving Beyond LLMs

18:05 – The Future of the Game Designer

19:54 – Video Latent World Models

23:53 – Social Simulation - AI Companions and Virtual Relationships

27:26 – Why Asset Costs Haven’t Changed the Gaming Industry

29:52 – AI Coding in Roblox Studio

31:36 – The Roblox Creator Economy

33:57 – Long-Term Conviction vs. Weekly Iteration

37:50 – Dave’s Hiring Philosophy for Roblox

43:44 – Conclusion